The Star Trek: Voyager premise and its characters belong to Paramount a Viacom  Company.  No infringement on Paramount's rights is intended. Everyone get down on your knees and hail  Paramount.  This story was written for fun.  It's a Paris/Torres story and the star date is a made  up number and has nothing to do with the story.  We wrote this awhile ago we just never got  to  upload it.P.S. Even though the characters belong to Paramount the story is ours so please ask if you want  to use it.We love getting e-mail so please humor us with your comments. (Good or bad...whatever.)  You can e-mail us at DaisyAAG@aol.comSynopsis: Voyager stops on a planet to collect materials but the Kazon have other ideas.  They trap Paris, Torres and Jenny Delany on the planet.  Rated PG-13This story takes place about a week after the episode "Displaced""Roses"By DaisyAAG and her friend "Captains log Star Date 5034.5:          We have come across an M class planet that contains large deposits of Palakin Ore and   dilithium.  We detected no intelligent life signs.  I have put together an away team that consists  of Lt.'s Tuvok, Paris, Torres, Carey, Ensign Jennifer Delaney and myself.  We will depart at  0900 tomorrow morning."     It was cold, very cold all he could think about was keeping himself and B'Elanna  warm let alone finding the doorway out.  If she died he wouldn't know what to do with himself.   They just had to keep moving ... just had to find the --     "Kim to Paris," came Harry Kim's voice over the commbadge.  *What was Harry  doing in this dream ... ohhh....*     "Paris here. Do you always have to interrupt my dreams?" Paris groaned.     "Only when your late meeting me for breakfast," came Harry's response.     "Oh yeah.  I must've overslept.  I'll be right there. Paris out."     "Computer, time?" He always hated addressing the computer, it was like talking to a  wall; literally.     "0630," came the computers monotone voice.     As he got dressed, the image of B'Elanna relaxing on the lounge chair in Neelix's  luau program came to mind.  She had actually been enjoying herself and they had their first  civilized conversation in a while.  But unfortunately, Neelix had brought over some new hors  d'ouvres for them to sample and B'Elanna had quickly excused herself to Engineering.  He  didn't blame her.  Leola root surprise wasn't his idea of a good time either.  At least things  were smoother between them now.  They played pool almost every night at Sandrines and had  dinner in the messhall together, sometimes with Harry and Kes, sometimes alone and she had  even accepted his dinner invitation on the holodeck last night.  But she was still reluctant to  pursue a relationship.  The idea that B'Elanna might be in the messhall made him hustle a little  faster.     "Dammit Vorik, I need that cyrionic converter now!" It never failed, whenever she  might be having a goodnight's sleep, some crisis in engineering would need her attention.   *Why can't we have these little crisis' when I can't sleep.*     "Finally," she muttered to herself.  Now I can get myself some food.     "Vorik, try not to trigger a warp breach while I'm gone," she called over her shoulder  as she walked out the door.  *With any luck we'll get dilithium and ore soon and hopefully  things will run a little smoother around here.*     "B'Elanna." Chakotay called down the hall to her.  *Oh Gods, what does he want.*   But she knew what he wanted.       "So, I hear that you and Tom had dinner last night.  How did it go?"     "Fine.  Can't two friends just go out for dinner together without the whole ship  thinking we're involved," she snapped at him.  *Just two friends... right?*     "Okay, okay I just thought I'd ask."     "Sorry, it's just with all the problems in engineering and...."     "I understand. Good luck on the away mission," and he turned off in another direction.                     Harry swirled around the mush on his breakfast plate.  *I don't even know what this is  supposed to be.* The only identifiable ingredient on his plate was leola root and the thought of  that did not raise his spirits.     He was so engrossed in the mush on his plate that he did not notice Tom walk in.     "Hey, sorry I'm late."     "Dreaming about B'Elanna again?"     "Um... yeah, kind of."  Harry was not expecting a serious response.     "Speaking of B'Elanna...," he looked up to see the chief engineer walk in.  She  grabbed a tray and dumped some uh... breakfast on it.  Then she glanced around the room and  Harry noticed her eyes settle on the back of Tom's head and she quickly glanced away when  she realized Harry had spotted her staring.  She walked over and dropped her tray on the table.     "One of these days someone is going to die from leola root overdose," she joked.  Tom  smiled up at her and she met his gaze for a second before she sat down.     Harry tried to eat some of his mush but gave up on it.  He noticed Tom glance at  B'Elanna every time he took a sip of coffee.       "B'Elanna, do you think you'll be able to get everything you need today?" Harry  inquired.     "Yeah, hopefully it won't take too long.  It depends how far into the mountain the  source is."          "Well, hopefully no one will fall off a cliff this time," Harry said referring to Neelix in  the Sakari caves.  He kept rambling on about Neelix's injury not realizing he had brought up a  touchy subject for B'Elanna and Tom.  He stopped when he realized Tom and B'Elanna were  both looking away pretending not to hear him.     "Well I don't think you'll have to worry about that.  I'm sure that the Captain, Tuvok,  Carey and Jenny can handle themselves," he said trying to lighten things up a little.  He noticed  B'Elanna frown at the mention of Jenny Delany but he noticed Tom was smirking at him.      "Yeah I bet Ensign Delaney will be just fine and if she needs any help I'm sure you'll  be ready and willing to assist her, Harry." Tom teased.      Harry blushed at his comment. "Actually, I think B'Elanna would be the one to jump  up and help the Delanys," Harry said sarcastically.     "What are you talking about Harry.  I have nothing against Jenny and her sister."      Harry knew that B'Elanna had had a few misunderstandings with Jenny and Meagan.   They were the more ... friendly... women on the ship.  Harry always assumed the reason  B'Elanna had a grudge against them because they were good friends of Tom, but he never  dared to say anything to B'Elanna for fear she might hurt him.  When Tom had first been  assigned to Voyager no one really wanted to go near him because of what happened at Caldik  Prime.  Jenny and her sister were two of the few who would talk to him.       B'Elanna had noticed both Tom and Harry's reaction about the Delanys but she said  nothing.  She didn't want to get into the topic of them this early in the morning.  They made  her stomach twist.     "Well I've got to get back to engineering who knows what Carey and Vorik have  messed up while I was gone."     "Wait B'Elanna, I'll walk you there," came Tom's cheerful voice.     "Okay."     With that they walked out the door.  *When are they going to stop playing games and  realize what they have.  Well I guess time is on their side.  Oh gosh, I have to be on the bridge  in two minutes.*     As they walked down the hall to engineering B'Elanna could hear Tom walking next  to her.  He kept perfect pace with her.      "So B'Elanna I heard that you like to sail," Tom asked interrupting her thoughts.     "I'm not really sure if its one of my most favorite things to do but I like it."     "Oh.  I see you don't have the same passion for it as the Klingon program I set up."     "Oh no, your not dragging me into that again, plus, I thought you said that I was  hostile.  I don't think you would want me to get mad at you again," B'Elanna teased about the  comment that Tom had made to her after they exited the program.  That was right before the  first Nyrian had appeared.     "B'Elanna, with the way you look when you get mad, I could handle it.  You should to  tell me why your mad, though, so it doesn't blow up in my face."     "Oh,but I love it when it does that," she teased.  *He makes such a cute face when he's  confused.  Come on Torres, what are you thinking, this is Tom Paris remember.*     "Good bye Tom," she said as they got to engineering.     "Bye B'Elanna, see you in transporter room one in 2 hours."      "So Carey how is the theta-matrix compositing system holding up," B'Elanna  questioned the engineer.       "Just fine," Carey answered, "there should be no problems while we're down on the  planet."     B'Elanna walked over to a console and retrieved a list of today's repairs.  *Boring,  boring, boring.  Thank Gods I'm getting out of my usual routine by going down to the planet --  with Tom.*  She got a warm rush thinking about Tom.  The only other man she had ever  trusted, that she'd ever let near her, was her father-- and he had left long ago.       In her ready room, Janeway reviewed the agenda for the away mission one more time.   Then headed out to the bridge just in time to see Tom Paris try to slip unnoticed off the turbo- lift, five minutes late.          "Mr. Paris I don't appreciate my officers reporting for duty late."       "Sorry Captain, it won't happen again," Tom said in a cheerful voice.  Janeway  noticed Chakotay frowning from his chair.  He looked ready to leap up and strangle Tom.      "Commander Chakotay, would you please join me in the ready room?"     "What's on your mind Captain," Chakotay asked?      "I want a constant transporter lock kept on the away party while we're gone.  It makes  me a bit uncomfortable knowing the Kazon occupy the next solar system."     "Of course.  Is that all Captain?"     "No, just one thing more.  Do you always try to pounce on tardy lieutenants, or was  that look just for Tom?"        "Uh...well, you see--"     "Mr. Chakotay," said Janeway in her most authoritative voice, "I don't know what  went on between you and Paris that made you so upset but whatever it was, when you walk on  this bridge you leave it behind.  It does not make a very professional example to scowl at fellow  officers.  Now, on a more personal note, do you want to talk about it?"     "I'm not really sure that its my place to talk."      "Does this have anything to do with Lt. Torres and Lt. Paris?"     "Yes.  It's just that she's had a couple relationships that didn't turn out so well."     "What do you mean by that?"     "They may have been nice men but --"     "Wait, what makes you think Paris will do the same thing, whatever it was.  They've  been friends for a long time and if he had wanted to take advantage of her, he would've done it  in the Sakari caves."  She paused to let that thought linger.  "You can't honestly say that you  believe all the rumors about Paris.  He's been linked to almost every women on the ship and the  only person he actually took out on a date was Jenny Delany.  Just let the issue drop.  B'Elanna  is a big girl, she can take care of herself."     "I suppose your right, I'm sorry."      "Don't be, you're just concerned for a friend.  Now if you'll excuse me I have to get  back to the bridge.  We should be approaching the planet soon."     "Doctor to Lt. Tuvok."       "Tuvok here.  Can I help you?"      "Yes would you please assemble the away team.  The Captain has ordered that all  officers beaming down to the planet report to sickbay ."     "Yes, Doctor we will be there."     "Ah Ensign Delany, the first of my patients.  While your waiting maybe you would  like to hear my interpretation of the twentieth century tune, "We All Live In a Yellow  Submarine" by the Beetles."     "That's OK Doctor, I think I'll just sit," answered Jenny looking for a way out.   Luckily, Kes came over and began to converse with her.  A few minutes later Lt. Torres walked  in and Kes excused herself to help prepare the hyposprays.     "Lt. Torres," began the Doctor, "for once you are not the last to arrive."      "Thanks, I'm flattered."  She wasn't aware of Ensign Delaney until she heard her  laugh.  Realizing she could not avoid talking to her she headed over in her direction.  *What  have I got against her anyway.  She never did anything to me.*       "Hello Ensign.  Ready to beam down?"     "Uh huh.  I just hate these damn starfleet issue heavy terrain suits."      B'Elanna smiled remembering how good Tom looked in his suit.     "What's so funny B'Elanna?"      "Oh nothing."     Their conversation ended when the remaining members of the away team walked in.     "Doc, what are these hyposprays for anyway?"  Tom asked as he walked over to where  B'Elanna was sitting with Jenny.      "The air on the planet is very thin, much similar to being at high altitudes.  The  hypospray will simply raise your red blood cell count to account for the lack of oxygen."      As the Doctor and Kes administered the hyposprays, Captain Janeway gave them  group assignments.       "Lt. Torres and myself will lead the two different groups.  I will take Lt. Tuvok and Lt.  Carey.  Lt. Paris and Ensign Delany will be with B'Elanna.  When we arrive, Lt. Torres' group  will head South to the source located there and my group will head North.  The tunnels are not  very steep but they are naturally formed and will make travel difficult.  Also, the deeper you go  the more interference we will experience while trying to communicate.  B'Elanna, I want you to  check in when you reach the tunnel entrance and every thirty minutes afterwards."     "Aye, Captain."      "Now if everyone is ready we'll head to transporter room one."         The planet was an uninviting, barrenous wasteland.  Several rock formations dotted  the landscape with large mountain ranges rising in every direction in the distance.  The arid  climate and lack of plant and animal life left little to be desired.      *This place reminds me a little too much of home.*  Carey  felt a wave of nostalgia  wash over him.  He had spent most of his childhood years in the Arizona Desert.  Then his  family had decided to move to a more hospitable area because his younger sister was one the  way.  He had later decided that he wanted to become an engineer and left for  Star Fleet  Academy.     "If everyone is ready to go then lets set out northward, don't forget check in every  thirty minutes," came Janeway's voice "Good luck Torres."     "Come on lets get moving, we have a lot to do before we can leave the planet,"  B'Elanna said.     What luck Paris had to end up on an away mission with the only other girl he had  dated on the ship and the one that he wanted. *B'Elanna looks so gorgeous in that jumpsuit.*   The image of her in the Sakari caves with only her tang top on had popped into his head.  *It  was so hard to turn her down, she was right when she said I watched her in Sandrines so many  times.  I wish she'd kiss me like that again and mean it.*      "Torres to Voyager."     "Go ahead," came Chakotay's voice over the commbadge.     "We've reached the entrance to the tunnels."     "OK, proceed with caution.  Captain Janeway's team has not entered the tunnels yet.   The entrance they had planned on using was sealed off with rocks.  So it may be awhile before  they find a way in.  Chakotay out."      "Alright, lets get going."     "Not quite as hard a descent as in the Sakari caves is it," B'Elanna commented to Tom  as they descended even further down the tunnel.      "I'm picking up a source of dilithium about 75 feet below us," Jenny announced.     "I'm reading the same thing," Torres added, "we'll head there now."     "Commander, I'm reading three Kazon ship approaching at mark four, five, nine.  Their weapons are charged," stated Kim.     "Red alert." Chakotay tapped his commbadge.  "Bridge to transporter room."     "Jones here."     "Beam the away team directly to the bridge."     Moments later Captain Janeway, Lt. Tuvok and Lt. Carey materialized on the bridge.       "Where is B'Elanna's team," Janeway asked?     "Transporter room to bridge.  I can't get a lock on the other team.  They're too far in  the tunnels."      "Captain, the lead Kazon vessel is firing," announced Tuvok.     "Shields up."     A heavy blast rocked Voyager.     "Shields holding."     "Captain all three Kazon vessels are firing and I have detected another Kazon ship  approaching."      "Janeway to transporter room.  Do you have them?"     "I'm sorry captain they're just too far down."     "Captain if we do not take action soon we will be destroyed," said Tuvok.     "Fire phasers at will, Mr. Tuvok.  Ensign Kim, can we communicate with the away  team?"     "Give me a second captain I'm trying to get a clear link."      Heavy fire continued to rock the ship.     "Captain, shields at forty one percent and falling.  We cannot hold off four Kazon  ships much longer."          "At last the Voyager is at our mercy!  We will have her once and foreall," shouted  Culluh.  Culluh had been Seska's lover when she was still alive and for that he had an extra  grudge against the Voyager.     "I am detecting three humanoid life signs on the planet," stated the officer at the Ops  station.     "Perfect, if we can't destroy The Voyager we can at least capture some of its crew."   Culluh had all sorts of plans swarming in his head that he almost forgot that they were engaged  in a fight with Voyager until he fell to the ground.                   "The Voyager is leaving orbit," came the Ops officer again.     "Dispatch a shuttle with five men on board and send them to the planet to retrieve the  three Voyager crewmen.  I want them alive."     "Janeway to Torres."     "Torres here," she responded.  "Captain I can barely understand--"     "...Kazon vessels... and  flee...unable to  transport...detected  shuttle... five  aboard....out."     "Damn how the hell am I suppossed to understand that."     "I think the main point was that Voyager left orbit and some shuttle is heading to the  planet," Tom said.     "Don't you think I figured that out already," B'Elanna snapped.     "Do you always have to snap at me like that!  I'm not the one that sent the ships after  Voyager!"     "Lt.'s I think we should decide what to do.  Sitting around fighting is not going to get  us back on Voyager," interrupted Jenny.      "We are not fighting, Ensign," said B'Elanna as she whirled to face her.     "She's right lets keep moving," said Tom and he started off.  The other two caught up  to him and they proceeded toward the exit.     "B'Elanna," Tom pulled her back.  "Try not to eat Jenny for dinner, she was right."     "What!  Now your on her side?"      "What side, we never took sides."  Tom was about to continue arguing but was cut off  by a loud boom.       "What the..." Jenny started.     "That was a large phaser burst.  I have a feeling that shuttle does not belong to  Voyager," B'Elanna said.     "What were they shooting at," asked Jenny?     "I'd have to guess that they sealed our exit off," stated Tom.  "Do you know of any  other ways out?"     "I don't even know any other tunnels besides the ones that take us to the ore and  dilithium."     "Lieutenant, whatever we do I think we should get moving because I can hear their  voices echoing off the wall," Jenny whispered.     "Alright, come on, we'll head south and hope we find the other side of this mountain." *What does this remind me of? Hmm, lets see, caught in caves with Tom and an enemy  somewhere behind us.  Well at least this time my hormones aren't doing the talking.  Hopefully  I'll get out with some dignity left.*     "B'Elanna we'd better hurry up," Tom called from behind.  " They're moving a lot  faster than us."  Just as Tom finished speaking a phaser blast shot out from behind the bend  they had just turned.  The group broke into a run.     "Set your phasers on heavy stun," B'Elanna yelled.  The Kazon could now be seen  about seventy-five feet away.       "I'll cover you!  Keep moving," Tom yelled!  He ducked behind a rock so he could  shield himself from Kazon fire.  "I'll be right behind you."     B'Elanna and Jenny kept moving deeper into the mountain.  Torres glanced over her  shoulder to yell to Tom and she saw Tom grasp shoulder and yell in pain.       "Tom!" She started back towards him.      "B'Elanna, no, we can't help him, we'll only get caught."  B'Elanna did not want to  leave him but she saw the ensign was right.  Tom was already surrounded by the Kazon and  three more were headed towards them.  She let Jenny pull her forward.     "If we can just lose those bastards we can figure out a way to get Tom back." Jenny  said.     "It would be risky but we could just fire at the ceiling and hope it blocks them and not  crush us."      "But what if it cuts off our way back?"     "We have to take that chance.  There are a lot of tunnels.  I'm sure one of them goes  back that way."  *Why am I taking that chance. I care for him so much.*     As if sensing B'Elanna's doubts Jenny said, "Our chances of getting him back are a lot  better without these three chasing us around."     "Wait, I remember there being a clearing about 150 feet up.  If we can take cover we  can try to shoot them down.  Scan with your tricorder."     Jenny ducked narrowly missing a fire blast to the head.  "I think I'll take your word for  it."     "Captain, all four vessels are pursuing," Ensign Kim reported.     "Excellent news Mr. Kim.  Ensign Weebuk, all stop."     "Aye Captain."     "Lt. Tuvok, ready photon torpedoes.  I want one round fired at each of those ships.  They are starting to annoy me."      Just as Captain Janeway finished speaking an enormous blast jolted Voyager.      "Report," yelled Janeway.     "The Kazon vessels have fired a large concentrated blast of fire power at our warp  nacelles.  Warp engines are off-line," came Tuvok's response.     "Fire those torpedoes, Mr. Tuvok."     The bridge crew stared at the view screen as two of the four ships erupted into fiery  blaze.     "Fire phasers at their engines Mr. Tuvok.  I want them dead in space."     "Aye Captain. Phasers ready."      "Fire."     "Captain, the remaining Kazon ships have been disabled."     "I'm reading five casualties," reported Chakotay, "none serious."     "Ensign Weebuk, full impulse back to the planet."     "Aye captain."     "Captain at this speed we should reach the planet in 18 hours," said Harry Kim.     "Janeway to Carey."     "Carey here."     "How long till out warp engines are back on-line?"     "I'm estimating about six hours Captain.  The nacelles were very badly damaged,"  came Carey's response over the comm.     "Very good, keep us informed." *I wish B'Elanna were here.*          "Damn that was close," exclaimed B'Elanna as she dove behind a rock.  "Over there  Delany," B'Elanna indicated to a section of the wall that had crumbled forming an alcove.     The second B'Elanna saw the first Kazon she fired but he ducked narrowly escaping a  shot to the chest.  She was about to fire again but Ensign Delany beat her to it.  The Kazon lay  motionless on the ground.     The other two Kazon had taken shelter against a wall making them very hard targets.       "Jenny aim at the ceiling it looks very unstable," B'Elanna commanded.  A few  moments later a portion of the ceiling came crumbling down on top of the Kazon.     "Come on," B'Elanna ordered and headed toward the debris.  She kicked aside some  loose stones to expose a Kazon arm.       "I can't find the other one, he must have gotten away," Jenny announced.  "Damnit.   The less of them the better."     "It doesn't matter when I get through with them they'll all be dead anyway," B'Elanna  snarled.  B'Elanna pulled out her tricorder and began scanning.       "Make sure you account for the interference from the metal sources," B'Elanna told  Jenny.     "What exactly are we scanning for?"     "Human life signs, or Tom's comm badge.  They probably took it off but they might  not have been smart enough to ditch it somewhere.  My guess is one of them has it in his  pocket." *Poor Tom.  If they lay a finger on him I'll--*     "Lt. I'm getting some sort of reading in that direction," Jenny pointed to a tunnel on  the left, "I can't get a clear reading on it though."     "Neither can I.  Well, I don't have any better ideas so we might as well head that  way."          "I cannot believe we have lost the Voyager again!  Someone will die for this!"  Culluh  turned to address his second in command but found that he was dead over his console.     "When can we get moving again?  I want to be back on that planet as soon as possible!   I personally want to kill the Voyager's captain."     "Kes."  Neelix bustled over to where Kes was sitting in the messhall.  "I wanted to ask  you something."     "What's on your mind, Neelix?" Asked Kes.     "What do you think the Captain would say if I suggested we pilot a shuttle ahead of  Voyager  to the planet?"     "I don't know Neelix.  I do know that the Captain is very concerned about Tom,  B'Elanna and Jenny so I'm sure she'll consider anything you suggest."     "Thanks for your advice, Kes.  I'll take her up about it as soon as possible."     "B'Elanna."     "What," Torres said staring hard at her tricorder.     "How did you and Tom make it out of the Sakari caves?"  Torres shot Jenny an icy  stare.       "What do you know about the Sakari caves," B'Elanna snapped.  "Nothing happened  there."     "Alright, Alright.  I was just asking.  You know, there's a lot of rumors going  around...."     "What kind of rumors?"     "Oh, I don't know, you really don't seem to want to talk about it."     "Look, you brought it up, now you have to tell me."     "Fine, if you insist.  Some people have been saying that you threw yourself at him in  the caves."  She stopped, waiting for Torres to bash her in the head. After getting no response  from B'Elanna she continued.  "And then when we were captured by the Nyrians a lot of people  noticed when you two beamed in hugging each other.  You've also been spending a lot of off  duty time together and--."     "First of all, Tom wasn't hugging me, he was dragging me to the exit of the habitat we  were trapped in so I wouldn't freeze to death.  Second of all, we're very good friends so why  shouldn't I spend off duty time with him.  Remember that -- just friends -- go tell all your  gossiping buddies."     "OK whatever you say, but you left out the Sakari caves."     "For a good reason."     "So your saying something did happen..."     "No! Why do you want to know so badly?  Are you jealous?"     "Jealous!  Me! Give me a break.  You're the one that hasn't let me within two feet of  him since we got here. You haven't done anything but yell and argue with me the whole time.   I think you're jealous of me."     "That's ludicrous!"     "Oh is it? You can't stand that Tom used to go out with me."     "Yeah, on like one date."     "Ha, I was right."     "What--"     "Just drop it, it really doesn't matter either way... but something must've happened."     "Look, you want to know what happened, I'll tell you.  But you'd better not mention  this to anyone else ever again or I'll rip your heart out."     "I cross my heart and hope to die."     "What?"     "Human thing. Tell me already!"     "Before we left for the away mission Vorik proposed marriage to me, in one way or  another, and I declined.  It turned out he was going through this Vulcan mating thing and he  had managed to give it to me telepathically.  When we were in the tunnels, it brought out my  more, umm, aggressive side.  Anyway, to make a long story short, this pon farr thing takes  away all sense of judgment and the only thing that becomes important is... the urge to mate."   She spat out the last words hoping Jenny would miss them.                   "You mean that you picked Tom!?"     "He was the only one there."     "Sure...."     "I--."     "Wait," Jenny stopped walking, " I'm picking up something on my tricorder.  It's  Paris -- or his communicator."     "Good, I'm getting it too, about twenty meters East.  I don't see a direct route though.   Let's start walking and I'll think of a way to get him back, somehow."     *How do I get into these messes.  I'm stuck here with these Kazon idiots, bound and  gagged nonetheless, B'Elanna and Jenny are somewhere in this maze of tunnels and Voyager is  probably hundreds of light years away fighting Kazon scum.  I hope B'Elanna doesn't tear  Jenny apart.  She should stop being so harsh to her, I can actually see them being friends.  I  wish B'Elanna would hurry up and get me out of here, the sight of these Kazon is making me  sick.  Not to mention I wouldn't mind seeing her face.  Maybe she has a med kit with her, this  shoulder is really starting to hurt.*     "Hey you.  Can I have some of that water?"     "Shut up stupid human.  You can have nothing.  Do you think we have water to spare  on prisoners?"  The Kazon guard kicked him in the shoulder.     "Oww, shoot." Tom decided to keep his mouth closed.     *Some rescue mission B'Elanna's got going here.*     Captain Janeway was sitting in her away room trying to relax with a cup of coffee  when her door chimed.     "Enter."     "Captain Janeway,"  Neelix bustled in.  "I wonder if I might speak to you a minute,  it's about the away team."     "Yes Neelix, what is it?"     "I was thinking that we should send a shuttle ahead of Voyager.  The sooner we get  our people back the better."     "I've already thought of that Mr. Neelix but with all these Kazon ships, I'm not about  to send a shuttle out."     "Well, if we took my shuttle the Kazon would be less likely to attack because it does  not have a starfleet signature."     "Are you volunteering your ship?"     "Yes," Neelix said hesitantly.  "It's capable of achieving warp three and we should be  able to reach the planet in about two hours.     "Well then, I think its worth a try.  But I'm only doing this because I see no other  options at the moment and I won't be able to rest until they are all back on this ship.     "Lt. Tuvok, Ensign Kim and Kes will accompany you."     "Captain, I really don't think that Kes should come--"     "Neelix, we don't know what kind of condition they're in and we have no way of  knowing if the Doctor will be able go this far away from the ship."     "Well, if you insist, Captain."     "Good, I want you gone in a half an hour."     *How do I get myself into these positions wondered Jenny Delany who was pressed  against a wall slowly making her way down a tunnel.  She could hear Kazon voices echoing  from the other end.  *How does B'Elanna stay so cool during this kind of situation.  I pity those  Kazon if they hurt Tom.  She'll probably gut them with her bare hands or something.*     B'Elanna motioned for her to stop.  "I'm going on ahead to see what we're up against  if I'm not back in five minutes..."     "I'll hear if they start shooting at you, don't worry."     "Okay."     *If they hurt Tom I swear I'll gut them with my bare hands.*  As B'Elanna rounded  the next corner very slowly, with her phaser drawn, she came face to face with a Kazon.     "Oh shit!" she exclaimed as she shot him with the phaser.  She stood their long  enough to see that he was the only one in sight.  *They must have him as a look out, which  means I'm definitely close, I better get Jenny.*     But before she had time to turn around she heard another Kazon voice.     "Nahtal."  The Kazon yelled back to his companion.  B'Elanna dashed around the  corner quick enough so that he did not see her.        When she reached Jenny she was panting for breath she had run so fast.     "They had a look out there, and a shot him," she took a moment to catch her breath  "but as I was leaving another came, but he didn't see me.  I think we lost the element of  surprise."     "What do you think we should do, just continue with the plan."     "Yeah, I'll go in first you cover me."          Just as Tom  was wondering if something had happened to B'Elanna and Jenny, one of  the Kazon guards came back dragging a limp body.  *Ha, ha! I knew B'Elanna would get here  sooner or later.*     "On your feet human."  The Kazon guard lifted him up by his bad shoulder.     "How am I suppossed to walk with my feet tied?"     The Kazon glared at him but untied his feet.  "You will make a grand prize for Culluh,  human."     "I do have a name.  Tom Paris, nice to meet you too."     "Get moving."  The guard shoved a blaster to his back.  *Geez, hurry up B'Elanna.   Any day now this rescue would be great.  We're almost fifty meters from where we started.*      "Duck!" The guard behind Tom yelled to the other guard.  The second Kazon guard  ducked narrowly missing a phaser shot to the neck.  Tom wasted no time getting into the action  and he quickly used his good arm to throw a punch at the first Kazon's stomach.     "Out of my way human!"  The Kazon guard swung at Tom while trying to avoid  phaser shots from B'Elanna and Jenny.  Tom dodged to the right and nearly tripped over the  other dead Kazon's body.  Before he could catch his balance the remaining Kazon guard swung  a hard shot with his blaster to Tom's forehead.  As the ground crept up on him he heard the  Kazon guard yell in pain as a phaser shot nailed him in the chest.           "Neelix to shuttle bay one.  Clear for departure?"     "Aye.  Good luck."     As Neelix piloted the shuttle away from Voyager he made polite conversation with  Harry Kim.       "Did you enjoy your breakfast this morning, Mr. Kim?"     "Yes, it was very good.  It kind of reminded me of a meal my mother used to make."  *Actually, it reminded me more of a foul bathroom experience.*  He turned to address Kes as  she entered the cockpit.  "Actually the real entertainment was watching Tom and B'Elanna at  breakfast today.  You could have sliced the tension between them with a knife."     "Harry, is it true they went on a date last night?"  Kes asked.     "They had dinner.  I don't know if it was a date, though."     "Lt. Torres has been acting differently lately.  I believe that she is oblivious to what is  happening between them," Tuvok said as he came out of the back of the shuttle.     "Excuse me Tuvok are you saying that B'Elanna has a crush on Tom?" asked Kes.     "Yes, is it not obvious."     "Tuvok!  I never thought of you as the gossiping type!" Exclaimed Kes.     "Well I if you all promise to keep this in the shuttle I'll tell you a secret," stated Harry.     "Oh, do tell, I love secrets!" Cooed Neelix     "Tom also has a huge crush on B'Elanna, he keeps trying to get closer to her but she  pushes him a way.  Actually, lately she has been nicer to him in her own little way."     "It would be nice if they got together.  We're going to be here a very long time and  they might as well make the best of it," commented Kes.     *Damn these Kazon.  How could they do such a  horrible thing to Tom.  He looks so  cute when he's unconscious,*  B'Elanna thought as she tried to wake Tom up after the Kazon  had knocked him out.     "I wouldn't mind seeing your Klingon side again... why do you have to be so hostile...  come on B'Elanna we have to keep on moving...," Tom said suddenly as he stirred.               "What's that all about?" Asked Jenny.     B'Elanna ignored her comment.  "We have to find a way out of here.  Walk to the end  of this tunnel and scan for a nearby exit.  If your not back in 10 minutes I'll come after you."     Jenny nodded in acknowledgment and started down the tunnel.      "Tom, Tom you have to wake up."  B'Elanna started, "I'm not carrying you--"     "Uggh," Tom groaned.     "Tom, come on."  She laid her hand on his cheek.  "Tom wake up."  She was starting  to lose her temper.     "Lanna," he tried to focus his eyes on her.  Was she really touching his face?  *No* he  decided *I must be dreaming still.*     "Tom stay awake.  I'm here."      *Maybe this is real.*      "Lanna, boy, are you a sight for sour eyes."     "Yeah, I know.  People tell me that everyday."  She said and suddenly removed her  hand from his face, realizing she was enjoying that too much.     "No, I really meant that."     When she didn't answer Tom flashed her one of his beautiful smiles to lighten the  moment and she couldn't help but smile back at him.      "I'm glad you're okay.  I was starting to worry."  *Don't look at his eyes, look  anywhere else but there.  Damn!* she thought when she met his gaze.  *His eyes are gorgeous.   The perfect shade of blue and--*     Her thoughts were cut off when Tom took her hand, kissed it, and said "Thanks."     "Tom, I--"     "Lt. I found an exit," Jenny yelled from down the tunnel.  "Nice to see you awake,  Paris," she said when she saw his eyes open.  *Oops, did I interrupt something here* she  thought when she saw Tom was holding B'Elanna's hand.     "Do you think you can walk." B'Elanna addressed Tom.     "Yeah I'll manage."     "Here lean on me."  B'Elanna put an arm around Tom to steady him.  "When we get  out of here we'll see about that cut on your head."     *I don't think I'll tell her that I can probably walk on my own.*          Back on board Voyager Captain Janeway sat restlessly in her Captain's chair.  She  looked over to her first officer and noticed he was just as restless.  "I know Chakotay, I'm just  as worried as you are."  He gave her a reassuring smile.      "I'm sure they're just fine.  Torres and Paris have plenty of experience with away  missions."     "I know.  It's just not that every away mission has five Kazon trying to hunt them  down."      "Janeway to Carey," she tapped her comm badge.     "Carey here."  The Captain detected a bit of agitation in his voice.     "How long till we have warp engines?"     "The repairs are moving well.  I suspect we'll have everything back on-line in about  three hours."     "Excellent news.  Keep me posted."  *At  least Carey and Delany are getting some  valuable experience.*     As the group headed out of the tunnels they were met by the sight of the planet's three  moons rising in the sky.     "We'd better get a fire going or we'll freeze to death.  The planetary time is about ten  o'clock and our time is about seven p.m.  Jenny, why don't you look around for kindling and  I'll set up the homing beacon.  Don't go to far, though." B'Elanna ordered.     "What do you want me to do?" Tom asked.     "Sit down and shut up.  I'll take a look at your injuries in a second."  She threw him a  smile over her shoulder and continued rummaging through her backpack.  A few moments later  she threw out a starfleet homing beacon.  She set up the beacon and went over to sit by Tom.     "How's your shoulder feel?"     "Not bad for having been shot."     "And your forehead?"     "It feels like Tuvok fired a round of photon torpedoes at my head."     B'Elanna took his chin in her hand and turned his head to her.  "Let me take a look at  it.  Look on the bright side, maybe the Doctor will feel sorry for you and sing you some opera."     "Last week I heard the entire script of "Phantom of the Opera.'"     "At  least he tries to have a bedside manner."  B'Elanna studied him while he laughed.   *He's so good looking and charming and I know he cares about me, but do I want a  relationship with him?*       *I wonder what she's thinking about.  She almost looks confused but cute none the  less.*  Tom looked down at B'Elanna who was only centimeters away from him.  *I'm going to  get beat up for this but it's worth the risk.*  Tom wrapped his arms around her and pulled her  closer.     *Oh Gods, this is not the time or the place for this.*  Tom's lips met hers. *Then  again there's never a good time for anything.  I forgot how much I enjoyed this.* B'Elanna  wrapped her arms around Tom's neck.      "Lt's I found tons of kindling,"  Jenny burst into the cave entrance with her arms  loaded.  She noticed Lt. Torres jump about five feet from Tom.  *Uh oh, did I just interrupt  something, again.*     No one said anything for a moment.  "That's ah... great news.  Why don't I get started  on the fire," Tom said.     "You should try and rest Tom.  I'll take care of it.  You too, Jenny.  I'll take watch for  awhile and I'll wake you in about an hour."          Neelix's attention was brought back to the helm by a beep on his console.  "We should  be entering orbit in about a hour Lt. Tuvok."     Kes wandered over to Neelix.  "Kes, I wanted to ask you what you thought about my  new dessert recipe.  I'm experimenting with apples and leola root.  It's almost like pie but since  I've added numpler meat it can be eaten for a dinner."     "Uhh... Gee Neelix that sounds wonderful.  I'm sure the crew will love it."  *Oh boy,  apples, leola root and numpler meat, all rolled into one!  This is bad news.  At least the doctor  will get to work on his bedside manner.  I'm sure the food poisoning cases will be rolling in.*     "Gods, it's freezing," B'Elanna said to Tom who had just woken up from a light nap.   He gestured for B'Elanna to come sit by him.  To his surprise B'Elanna rested her head on his  good shoulder.  He put his arm around her and pulled her closer.     *Oh my back is killing me* Jenny thought as she rolled over in her sleep.  *Whoa,  what's this* she wondered as she saw the Lt's.  *Guess I was right after all.  I'd better be quiet  I wouldn't want to interrupt anything again.*     "I wonder where Voyager is right now." Tom said to B'Elanna.     "Probably kicking Kazon butt.  I hope Carey's got everything under control."     "I don't think you have to worry.  He seems like a capable engineer."     They sat in silence for a bit.  "I'm glad you weren't hurt before."     "Come on B'Elanna, five Kazon with guns.  I was never in any danger!"     "Seriously Tom, you could've been badly hurt or they could've killed you.  I'm kind of  surprised they didn't.  Things would get pretty boring without you around."     "Oh yeah.  Humor me."     "Well, I wouldn't have the pleasure of beating you at pool in Sandrine's.  I wouldn't  have anyone to fight with three times a day.  There wouldn't be any cocky helmsman to  entertain the bridge crew and I'd probably spend all my off duty time in my quarters because  you wouldn't be there to pull me out."     *This is getting good* Jenny thought.     "You'd really miss me that much?"     "Yeah, of course I would."  She looked up at his face to see his expression and realized  that he was studying her.       *Ok Jenny, whatever you do don't sneeze.*     He reached up to her face and cupped it in his hands gently caressing her cheek.  He  bent his neck down so that their lips met for a brief second,  then kissed her forehead.   B'Elanna pulled his face down to her and kissed him passionately.     "Tuvok to Torres" came the security chief's voice over the comm badge.     B'Elanna ignored it enjoying the moment.     "You should respond." Tom pulled away from her.     "Torres here."     "We are in Mr. Neelix's shuttle and will be landing approximately 200 meters from  your location."     "Alright, we'll be there."  She then turned to address Jenny. "Wake up Jen, we've got  to get moving."     "I'm awake Lt." She immediately regretted saying that when B'Elanna replied:      "What did you say Ensign?"     "Nothing, never mind."     "It'll be nice to be back on Voyager soon," Tom commented as Kes scanned his  shoulder and forehead.     "The good news is you won't be stuck in sickbay that long and the bad news is you  probably won't be able to go on duty tomorrow."     "Oh no, what a shame.  I'm sure he's so disappointed," commented Harry and smiled  at Tom.     In the cockpit B'Elanna and Tuvok discussed the battle with the Kazon.       "My poor engines," B'Elanna moaned.     "Voyager to Neelix."     "Neelix here Captain.  We have the away team on board and we are prepared to  rendezvous with you."     "You suffered a minor concussion, Lt. Paris, and I'd like you to stay a few more  minutes so I can run a couple more tests.  Lt. Torres and Ensign Delaney your free to go and  you may go back on duty tomorrow.  I believe the Captain wants you for a debriefing in a half  an hour."     "Thanks Doc."  Jenny left but B'Elanna remained behind with Tom.  The Doctor gave  B'Elanna a look but only said:     "Your welcome to stay if you would like."     "Now Mr. Paris you may attend the debriefing but I would like you to rest for the  remainder of the evening, perhaps spend some holodeck time with Lt. Torres." he said as he  raised his eyebrows at the two of them.     As Tom and B'Elanna left sickbay the Doctor walked over to Kes and looked over her  shoulder at the padd she was reading.     "I didn't know that you liked romance novels, Kes."     "Well, I enjoy one once in awhile."     "It looks like Lt.'s Torres and Paris may have a little romance going on themselves."     "Yeah it certainly looks that way, doesn't it."     "After the Kazon began firing we fled and Tom covered us.  He was shot in the  shoulder and we couldn't go back for him because he was surrounded by Kazon.  Three Kazon  continued to pursue Ensign Delany and I and at the first opportunity we took cover and  returned fire killing one and stunning the other.  After that we went to rescue Tom.  I killed one  Kazon guard before they discovered us.  They started to flee and we shot at them.  The  remaining two guards were stunned and Tom was knocked unconscious.  After he woke, we  exited the tunnels and set up the homing beacon."     "Lt. Paris and Ensign Delany, do you have anything to add?" Asked Kathryn.     "Actually," Tom spoke up, "I would like to make a change.  I was not rescued by Lt.  Torres.  Once the Kazon had me on the move again I merely used there distraction to--"     "Get yourself knocked unconscious," B'Elanna finished for him.       "The only reason I got knocked out was because I tripped over the dead Kazon body  that you shot."     "I think you just need some more coordination, Lt."  B'Elanna's face was starting to  get flushed.     In the heat of their argument Captain Janeway looked over to Commander Chakotay  and said, "You see, nothings changed between them."     *Ahh, they're having a lover's quarrel* thought Harry Kim.  He turned to Jenny  Delany.  "What exactly happened down there?"     "We rescued him.  He'd be dead if it wasn't for us."     "So, did anything else happen?"     "You're going to love the stories I have for you," she said to Harry.     "Lt.'s that will be enough."  Captain Janeway rose from her chair.  "I will let you  interpret who rescued who anyway you like.  As for our original purpose of extracting the  metals, I have team there working on it as we speak.  Now, I suggest everyone relax for the rest  of the evening.  Dismissed."  The crew wandered out of the conference room.       "Tom," Harry called to his friend.  Jenny, B'Elanna and I are going to shoot some pool  at Sandrines, you want to join us?"     "Yeah sure, why not."     "Getting kind of crowded," B'Elanna commented to no one in particular as she lined up her next shot.      "I don't mind, the real Sandrines usually had a good crowd," Tom said.     "I think I'll head back to my quarters -- as soon as I win this game." B'Elanna said  with a playful tone.     "What makes you think you'll win?"     "I won the other five rounds didn't I?"     "I let you win,I didn't feel like having you gut me tonight."     "Whatever Paris. You can rationalize all you want."     Over in a corner of Sandrines Harry and Jenny sat watching the two lieutenants over  drinks.     "So what happened down there?" Harry prodded Jenny.     "I'm not sure what happened the first time but after Tom was knocked out, I went to  look for an exit and when I came back Tom was holding her hand.  Then later I was collecting  kindling for the fire and when I came back I caught them kissing."     "You're kidding!"              "But wait-- it gets better!  B'Elanna took first watch so Tom and I could get some  sleep.  I dozed off for a little bit and when I woke up B'Elanna was resting her head on Tom's  shoulder and he had his arm around her.  I figured it would be best not to interrupt so I  pretended I was asleep.  Next time I peeked over they were kissing again."     "What kind of kiss?" Harry quizzed her.     "An extremely passionate one.  Then when Tuvok called, the reason she didn't answer  right away was because she didn't want to stop kissing him!" Harry sat in stunned silence.        Back at the pool table, Tom lined up the eight ball and shot it into the corner pocket.     "Told you I let you win before."     "That was just luck Paris.  If you wanted to beat me that badly you would've done it  before I sank all but one ball."     "I was just trying to disguise it."     "Right," B'Elanna said sarcastically.  "I'm going to try and get some sleep.  Walk me  back to my quarters."     "Yes ma'am.  Lets just say good bye to Harry and Jenny."     As Tom and B'Elanna left Sandrines Harry turned to Jenny with raised eyebrows,  "They're going back to her quarters!"     "Men! They always assume."     "You'll have to get details from B'Elanna when you meet her for lunch tomorrow."     "What makes you think she'll tell me and what makes you think I'll tell you."     "Well I just--"     "See you tomorrow Harry."  Jenny rose to leave.     As Chakotay strolled through the hydroponics garden he came across Kes who was  tending to some flowers.      "Hello Kes."     "Oh Commander, hello.  I didn't expect anyone to be here this late."     "Whenever I have trouble sleeping I usually come here for a walk.  So, what are you  working on ?"     "Actually,  I'm tending the roses.  Tom was telling me about them awhile ago, how  the different colors mean different things, so I started to grow some.  Did you know a yellow  rose is a sign of friendship and a red rose means love?"     "I didn't realize Tom knew so much about flowers."     "He was telling me that his father used to keep beautiful gardens back on Earth and he  always grew lots of roses."     "Has Neelix told you about his new Leola, apple, numpler pies yet."     "Oh yes.  I heard all about the on the mission today.  The Doctor is preparing for more  patients as we speak."     "A wise choice.  I just had the honor of being the first to sample it and I had to use  every ounce of restraint in me not to spit it out.  I hope the crew has plenty of replicator rations  for tomorrow night."        As B'Elanna and Tom walked down the corridor they passed Ensign Lang  who  nodded hello.  When they arrived at her quarters neither said anything until Tom cornered her  against the wall and kissed her.     "Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow."     "Wait Tom."  She grabbed his hand.  "Do you want to come inside?  I don't really feel  like going to sleep."     "I don't think that's a good idea...yet."     "I meant to talk!"     "Sorry." She noticed a blush starting to creep up his cheeks.     "Come on." She pulled him inside.  "Are you hungry?  I just realized we never ate."     "Yeah, a little but I don't have any replicator rations left.  I spent the next three weeks  on our dinner last night."     "You spent three weeks rations on me?" B'Elanna was astonished.  Rations were so  precious and were not to be spent lightly.     "You were worth it."  He smiled at her.      "What do you feel like?"     "Anything that's minus leola root.  I'm still trying to digest whatever it was we ate for  breakfast.  How about some spaghetti."     "Sauce or no sauce?"     "Butter please."     "Hey Meg, I'm back," Jenny called to her twin.       "I'm glad you got back OK.  I got worried when I heard what happened."     "Guess what."  Jenny didn't wait for an answer.  " I got a commendation on my report  for rescueing Tom."       "You rescued Tom.  What happened?"     "Long story, you can read the report tomorrow.  I've also got some good gossip for  you.  But-- it stays between us."     Tom and B'Elanna finished up their dinner and were sitting on the couch talking.      "Don't you have any good memories of your father?" B'Elanna asked.     "I could ask you the same thing." B'Elanna frowned briefly and gave him a little  nudge.      "I asked you first."      "Well, most of the good memories are when I was littler and there was less pressure on  me to become starfleet man of the century.  When I was about five I got into this gardening  kick.  My Dad used to have the best gardens on the continent.  This was before he became an  admiral so he actually had free time on his hands.  He used to take me out in the gardens with  him and tell me about all the different flowers.  He liked roses the best and  he always kept  them on the terrace walls.  For my sixth birthday he cleared a plot in the gardens so I could  start my own.  The only things I grew were roses.     "What's a rose look like?"     "Long stem with thorns and, like, a swirly bud on the top. Your turn, now."     B'Elanna didn't answer him for a while.     "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."  Tom knew she didn't like  talking about her past much, neither did he.  She surprised him by curling up next to him and  resting her head on his chest.  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the top of her  head.       "I don't mind.  My Dad was out of the picture pretty early.  I don't even know why he  left.  He taught me how to skip stones when I was about three in the lake near our house.  He  was the best at it.  One time he got twelve skips in a row and I got mad at him because the most  I could ever get was four.  One time my mother even came with us.  When we were done we  went out on a boat and my Dad taught me how to sail.  After he left I made up stories to the  other kids that he was called away on a secret starfleet mission to a distant planet I had never  heard of.  I almost started to believe that story but my mother set me straight.  Klingons believe  in teaching their children the harsh ways of the universe instead of pampering them until they  can handle the truth.  But anyway -- everything ended up OK.  Getting lost out here was  probably the best thing for me.  I'm a starfleet lieutenant and I'm in charge of all Voyagers  beautiful engines."     "I guess you could say the same for me.  I wonder what my dad would say if he found  out I was a lieutenant and on the senior staff."     "I'm sure he'd be very proud of you, Tom.  I am and so are Harry and the Captain, Kes  and Neelix and most everyone else.  I think they got over there grudges after you saved the ship  the first hundred times."     "It's kind of amazing how both crews blended together so well.  I don't think anyone  has any grudges.  I wonder what will happen when Voyager gets home."     "That could be a long way off.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Captain Janeway would  give her life before she let starfleet arrest us or any of the former maquis."     "I'd better go B'Elanna, its almost one thirty in the morning and you have to be on  duty tomorrow.       "I guess. This was really nice we should do it more often."  She said as she started to  move away, but he pulled her even closer to him and kissed her on the forehead and then down  her face until he reached her lips and kissed her passionately.  She tried to pull away but her  hormones kicked in and she kissed him back harder, until he moved down her neck kissing her  aggressively.  She decided to enjoy this to its fullest and pushed him down onto the couch.  He  moved back up to her face and kissed her gently.  She turned his face with her hand and bit him  just above the jaw, tasted his blood and moved back to his lips.       When his common sense came back to him he realized what he was doing and pulled  away from her.  "Lanna not now."       "You're right."  She said as she climbed off of him and followed him to the door.     "We should definitely include that part when we talk again."  And with that he exited  her quarters.     As Chakotay turned the corner to his quarters he saw Tom Paris leave B'Elanna's  quarters with a silly grin plastered on his face.  *Uh oh this can't be good.*  He noted to  himself that he should definitely have a chat with his spirit guide about this.     The next morning Captain Janeway sat in her ready room sipping a cup of coffee.  The  chimes on her door rang.       "Enter.  Good morning Tuvok.  Have a seat."     "I have just been informed that all the metal Lt. Torres requested is on board and the  Kazon ship has been destroyed, stranding them on the planet.  We can leave orbit whenever  you're ready."     "Excellent news Mr. Tuvok.  I also meant to talk to you about yesterday's mission.   Did you notice anything unusual after the away team boarded?"     "Unusual in what way Captain?"     "Just any odd behavior."     "No Captain I noticed nothing of the sort except that Lt. Torres and Lt. Paris did not  fight at all until the debriefing."     "Very good, thank you Mr. Tuvok." The two headed onto the bridge.     "Ensign Weebuk, set in a course for the alpha quadrant, warp six."     "Aye Captain."     Down in engineering everyone noticed that their chief seemed to be in a very good  mood and no one dared upset her.  Carey assumed it must be because of the new metal supplies.     "I'm going to lunch, Carey."  B'Elanna headed to the messhall to meet with Jenny.   *I'm glad I finally gave her a chance.  She can be a good freind.*     "Hey B'Elanna."  Jenny plopped her tray down across from hers and groaned when  she examined the contents of her sandwich.  "Don't we ever get away from leola root?"     "Unfortunately no.  Tonight's recipe is leola, apple, numpler pie and according to  Chakotay everyone should stay out of the messhall for dinner."     "Sounds like a good time to use some replicator rations."     "Yeah I know. Unfortunately I used all mine on dinner last night."     "Oh really!  Dinner with who?"     "Tom."  Jenny could swear she saw B'Elanna blush.     "So what's going on with you two.  I thought you said you weren't involved."     "Shhh! Don't say that so loud."     "Sorry."     "It's okay.  If we're going to talk about this can we go somewhere else?"     "Yeah, we can go to my quarters." The two headed out of the messhall trays in hand.       "You know Harry wants details.  He kept bugging me about what happened down on  the planet and he expects me to give him a full report about today's luncheon.  But you don't  have to worry, if he wants to know he can pry it out of Tom."     "Thanks.  I never talked about stuff like this with Harry or Tom.  Actually I think this  is the first time I ever had lunch with a female member of the crew that wasn't the Captain or  Kes."     "Looks like we have something in common.  I mean besides Meg, the other girls keep  there distance. Anyway, are you and Tom together or not?" She asked as they entered her  quarters.                      "Yeah I guess.  I don't really know.  Neither of us have acknowledge it yet but  something definitely changed.  We had dinner last night and then spent about three hours  talking."     "And... anything else?"     "No, well there almost was, but it would've been a mistake."     "I was just curious because I heard Chakotay fuming to the Captain about how Tom  came out of your quarters late last night."     "Chakotay was mad?  He says he wants to see me happy but every time I'm with Tom  you'd think he was going to blow someone apart with a phaser.  I'll have to talk with him about  this."     "I've got to be back on duty soon."     "Yeah, I'd better get going I have some things to do.  Have you been in the  hydroponics garden lately?"     "Yeah just the other day actually.  I had to run some tests."     "Are there any roses there?"     "Roses? Actually I think Kes planted some a few weeks ago.  They just started  blooming the other day.  Why?"       "Oh no reason.  I'll see you later."     As she turned the corner to the hydroponics garden she almost ran right into  Chakotay.     "Ahh,  just the man I was looking for.  What's all this about you seeing Tom come out  of my quarters last night.  If I want to have a man over that's my business not yours.  I don't  appreciate you discussing such things with the Captain.  Chakotay, do you have a problem with  me seeing Tom?"     "No, its just that--"     "I know you had your doubts about him in the beginning but that shouldn't have  anything to do with this.  He's a good person and he's saved your life and the ship countless  times.  And if its the rumors your concerned about he only dated one girl, Ensign Delany, for  about two weeks."     "I'm sorry to upset you.  It's just going to take some getting used to, that's all."     "If you want to moan about it, fine, just don't let anyone see."     Kes was tending to her tomatoes when she heard the door to the garden open and  B'Elanna Torres walk up to her.     "Hi Kes, I heard that you had some roses growing, I thought that maybe I could have  few."     "Yeah, sure B'Elanna, they are in the third row about the middle take as many as you  like."     "Thanks Kes."       B'Elanna found the roses easily they were exactly the way she had pictured them.  She  cut a few of the yellow ones and left.     B'Elanna walked down the corridor until she reached Tom's quarters, she hit the  chime and waited for him to answer. "Come in."     "Hi, I brought you something."  She said as she handed him the bouquet of the freshly  cut, yellow roses.  She smiled when she saw that cute look of surprise come across his face.     "Where did you get these?  They're beautiful.  Thank you."      "I guess after you told Kes so much about them she decided to plant some.  They're  just as beautiful as you described them."     A frown came across Tom's face as he realized that she had gotten him yellow roses.   "Did Kes tell you what each color means?"     "No she didn't, why, they mean different things?"     "Yeah," he said a his smile crept back up his face.  "Well, the yellow ones mean  friendship and the red ones mean love.'     "Well, I guess I got you the wrong color then," she answered as she pulled him closer  to her kissing him lightly then more intimately.     "Does this mean that we're a couple now," he squeezed in between breaths.  He moved  down to her neck to give her a chance to answer.     "Yes, definitely.  I guess its a good thing that you were off duty today that bite mark  looks pretty bad."     "It was worth the pain."  He answered as she kissed him again.              "As much as I'm enjoying this I had to be back on duty five minutes ago."     "Good-bye Lanna," he said as she exited his quarters.